By Laurette Ryan
Balancepoint Pilates
www.balncepointpilates.com
I’m sure by this time many of you have seen that hilarious fake info-mercial by Mr. Jimmy Kimmel entitled “Hottie Body-Humpilates”. I, like many if not most of you, got a good chuckle.
I would like this opportunity to respond to “Humpilates”. Part of me wishes Mr. Pilates himself were alive and could go on Mr. Kimmel’s TV program and teach him the Saw or Roll-over in his classical manner (as seen in Mary Bowen’s home movie reels…if you know what I mean). I admit that fantasy, my Pilates friends, really makes me chuckle or lol, if you wish. I was wondering why I would have such an evil fantasy…I’m thinking that Lolita San Miguel, Mary Bowen and Ron Fletcher could go on Kimmel and teach him a thing or two…Too bad Kathy Grant isn’t with us- she’d show him why Pilates is for men- she could have taught him a little respect! ….And what about Romana, could he survive Romana?, well he’s probably got a personal masseuse, he might be okay.
I’m normally quite reasonable, a peace-loving individual with a good sense of humor. So why did I want to see Mr. Kimmel suffer a little? I’m sure his piece was all in good fun, it’s not actually called Jimmy K’s Pilates. There are two reasons. First, it’s the “-ilates” thing. People tack the “-ilates” onto everything…Cardio-lates, Yoga-lates, Spin-ilates,Dance-ilates Box-ilates, I’m just waiting for Driv-ilates and Sleep-ilates. I’m sure all these fusion classes are great fun and serve a need, but the public unfortunately can get a little confused…what is Pilates, really? … is the Warrior pose part of the repertoire? They can’t figure it out.
(Can you imagine going in to get a broken leg cast and getting a cast AND a pedicure …..you might wonder how pink toenails helped fix your broken bones- it’s what our students are thinking).
So obvious “Hump-ilates” is a joke….. but it does perpetuate that line of thinking which is- add “-ilates” to anything and you have the hottest new workout.
Secondly, have you noticed how Hollywood so often makes Pilates the punch-line? I laugh, because I can laugh at myself. Pilates teachers and enthusiasts probably get a laugh too and we’re happy to see ourselves recognized by popular media. What happens though, is that as we seek to gain professional recognition in our communities, stereo-types are created which do not portray us in a credible or favorable light. Do you think those stereo-types encourage the middle-aged blue collar worker with back pain ,(whose Doctor recommended he exercise) to seek out a qualified Pilates Professional to help him out?
Pilates is an amazing way to strengthen, condition, improve and yes, I believe heal your body. People don’t laugh at Dental Care…(*they may have though, years past-when dental care was a side-business of your Barber) This may be reason to think about the trend for Group Exercise Teachers to get a “Weekend Mat Certification” ….think about it. Dentist are considered professionals. Would you even consider going to a Dentist/Barber these days?
I feel we need to be vigilant in few ways to keep pushing our profession forward. The support and promotion of a Third-Party Credential, adhering to a recognized and accepted Code of Ethics and Scope of Practice guideline are keys and however we get there..the fact is- we must. The Pilates Method Alliance ( www.pilatesmethodalliance.org ) is at this time, the only organization offering this, that I am aware of. (If there are any others meeting this criteria, please feel free to share them with us.)
So, Mr. Kimmel -Thank You for your very funny skit and Thank You for making us take a moment to consider our profession, it’s current state and our future direction.
Mary Bowen’s website : www.pilates-marybowen.com
Lolita San Miguel’s website : http://lolitapilates.com/
Ron Fletcher’s website: http://ronfletcherwork.com
Yours in Peace and Pilates,
Laurette
During the scissors exercise in Pilates, support the upper body with strong core muscles. Learn more about the scissors advanced Pilates exercise with tips from a fitness trainer in this free exercise video.
Side-lying double leg lift exercises in Pilates can have several variations depending on skill level and strength. Learn more about the side-lying double leg lift advanced Pilates exercise with tips from a fitness trainer in this free exercise video.
The neck pull Pilates exercise doesn’t pull the neck but does lengthen the neck and spine. Learn more about the neck pull advanced Pilates exercise with tips from a fitness trainer in this free exercise video.
The twist exercise in Pilates strengthens core muscles and works the entire body. Learn more about the twist advanced Pilates exercise with tips from a fitness trainer in this free exercise video.
In Pilates, the cancan exercise focuses on strengthening all of the abdominal muscles. Learn more about the can can advanced Pilates exercise with tips from a fitness trainer in this free exercise video.
In Pilates, the leg pull front exercise works the hamstrings, glutes and core. Learn more about the leg pull front advanced Pilates exercise with tips from a fitness trainer in this free exercise video.
In Pilates, the leg pull exercise works out the entire body. Learn more about the leg pull advanced Pilates exercise with tips from a fitness trainer in this free exercise video.
The spine stretch forward in Pilates stretches the lower back and hamstrings. Learn to do the spine stretch forward Pilates exercise with tips from a fitness trainer in this free exercise video.
In Pilates, the back extension exercise strengthens back muscles. Learn to do the back extension Pilates exercise with tips from a fitness trainer in this free exercise video.